Strategic Data Project Fellow

For a more detailed job posting, click here.

Join a powerful, growing community of 625+ forward-thinking data advocates and leaders across more than 40 states and 290+ education organizations. The Strategic Data Project (SDP) is an initiative of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University. The SDP Fellowship program helps school system leaders use data and evidence in strategic decision-making to improve public education. By placing fellows in school systems and education organizations across the United States, SDP provides a unique career pathway for passionate quantitative researchers and data strategists who want to make a difference.  

Locations

Fellowship placements are available in various locations across the United States and shift from year to year. Please see job post for more information. 

Qualifications

The Strategic Data Project seeks candidates who possess: 

• a strong background in applied quantitative analysis (beyond descriptive analysis), familiarity with working with large datasets within education, and ability to work with limited oversight  
• a demonstrated passion for improving outcomes for all students, familiarity with US domestic education policy and current issues 
• a track record of collaboration, humility, and ability to guide change
• a proven ability to communicate complex information and analytic findings to various audiences in verbal, written, and visual formats
• evidence of an emerging leadership skillset and a commitment to continuous learning
• an advanced degree (Master’s degree or higher) completed (graduated) by August 2025 (certificates are not eligible)
• at least four years of relevant full-time work experience by August 2025 (waived for those with a PhD) 
• Valid U.S. work authorization; fellows become employees of our partner organizations and they do not provide Visa sponsorship to their fellows. Candidates with OPT, AT, and/or EAD status may be eligible to apply. Work authorization must be valid from September 2025 through August 2027.

Candidates who are geographically flexible and willing to relocate will be given preference in the selection process. In addition, due to the inherent nature of the matching process, your willingness to relocate will increase your chances of matching with an SDP partner agency if admitted as a finalist to the candidate matching pool. Candidates are encouraged to be flexible and willing to relocate to the placement that is the best skill and interest match for them. Candidates with flexible relocation available will have the best chances of a successful placement match - about 85% of fellows relocate for placements.

SDP Placed Fellows become full-time employees of their placement organizations where they receive a salary between $75,00-95,000 and appropriate benefits. Placement organizations may have additional hiring requirements, including drug testing, criminal record and background checks, vaccination policies, residency requirements, etc. 

Benefits of the SDP Fellowship

• Two-years of full-time employment with annual salary + benefits, with potential for continued employment
• Mission-driven analytic work, tackling high-impact challenges in the education sector
• Network of talented life-long colleagues and peers in the education data field
• Ongoing professional development and training
• In-person and virtual workshops, learning modules, and conferences (travel + lodging included)
• Active network-wide slack channel
• World class mentorship from faculty (Harvard + other institutions)and SDP fellowship alumni
• Global alumni network
• Pathways to leadership

The Application Process

Round I Application Deadline: Monday, November 4th, 2024 - 9:00am ET

Round II Application Deadline: Friday, February 28th, 2025 - 9:00am ET

• Application Opens: November 8th, 2024
• Application Deadline: February 28th, 2025 - 9:00am ET
• Data Task 1: March 6th - March 11th, 2025 
• Virtual Screening Interviews: March 20th - March 28th, 2025
• Data Task 2: March 31st - April 7th, 2025
• Selection Day Interviews: April 15th, 16th, and 17th, 2025
• Agency Interviews: Beginning April/May 2025

Round III Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 14th, 2025 - 9:00am ET

• Application Opens: March 7th, 2025
• Application Deadline: May 14th, 2025 - 9:00am ET
• Data Task 1: May 16th - May 22nd, 2025 
• Virtual Screening Interviews: June 3rd - June 10th, 2025
• Data Task 2: June 10th - June 17th, 2025
• Selection Day Interviews: June 17th and 18th, 2025

All dates and deadlines are subject to change.